Holiday Swirls Crochet Pattern: Festive Trivet Guide

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Creating handmade holiday decorations adds a personal touch to your home during the festive season. This crochet holiday trivet pattern offers a beautiful way to craft functional kitchen accessories that double as Christmas décor. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating stunning spiral-designed trivets and pot holders using the popular two-color technique with our detailed crochet holiday trivet pattern.

Whether you’re an experienced crocheter or looking to expand your skills, this crochet holiday trivet pattern makes perfect gifts and practical additions to your holiday table setting. The spiral design works up quickly and creates stunning results that will impress your guests.

What is the Holiday Swirls Crochet Pattern?

The Holiday Swirls is a festive crochet holiday trivet pattern that creates circular trivets and pot holders featuring an eye-catching spiral effect. Using two contrasting colors—traditional Off White and Bordeaux—this crochet holiday trivet pattern works up quickly and creates a stunning visual impact perfect for Christmas entertaining.

Focus Keyword: crochet holiday trivet pattern

Key Features of This Crochet Holiday Trivet Pattern

Spiral design technique using two alternating colors
Practical functionality for protecting surfaces from hot dishes
Christmas theme with traditional holiday colors
Beginner-friendly approach to colorwork
Quick project suitable for gift-making

Materials You’ll Need

For the Trivet (9.5″ diameter)

50g DROPS Paris yarn in Off White (color 17)
50g DROPS Paris yarn in Bordeaux (color 37)
Crochet hook size 6mm (US J/10)
Scissors
Stitch markers (optional but helpful)

Total weight: Approximately 65g per trivet

For the Pot Holder (5.5″ diameter)

50g DROPS Paris yarn in Off White (color 17)
50g DROPS Paris yarn in Bordeaux (color 37)
Crochet hook size 6mm (US J/10)
Scissors
Stitch markers (optional)

Total weight: Approximately 23g per pot holder

Tip: One set of yarn (50g each color) is sufficient to make both the trivet and pot holder together.

Learn more about choosing the right crochet yarn for your projects.

Understanding Gauge and Tension

Achieving the correct gauge ensures your finished pieces match the pattern dimensions. For this crochet holiday trivet pattern:

Crochet Gauge: 12 double crochets in width and 6 rows vertically with 2 strands on hook size 6mm = 10 x 10 cm (4″ x 4″)

Adjusting Your Hook Size

Too many stitches in 10cm? Switch to a larger hook
Too few stitches in 10cm? Switch to a smaller hook

Remember, gauge directly affects the final size of your trivet and pot holder. Taking time to check your tension before starting saves frustration later.

Discover more about crochet gauge and tension in our detailed tutorial.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Starting Your Holiday Swirls Project

Step 1: Create the Chain Stitch Ring

Begin with 2 strands of Bordeaux yarn and your 6mm hook. Work 4 chain stitches and join them with a slip stitch to form a ring. This central ring forms the foundation of your spiral design.

Step 2: Work Diagram A.2

Crochet around the chain stitch ring following diagram A.2. Once complete, pull the loop on your hook out slightly to prevent unraveling. You can insert a stitch marker here for security.

Step 3: Switch to Off White

Change to Off White yarn and work diagram A.3 around the same chain stitch ring. Again, pull the loop long and secure it with a marker if needed.

Step 4: Continue with Bordeaux

Return to your Bordeaux loop and work diagram A.4, beginning directly in the loop.

Step 5: Create the Spiral Effect

After completing A.4, follow diagram A.5. When you reach the division between A.5 and A.6, pull the Bordeaux loop long, switch to the Off White loop, and work diagram A.6.

Key Technique: Working with Two Colors

The unique spiral effect comes from alternating between two separate working loops. Rather than cutting yarn and weaving in ends repeatedly, you’ll keep both colors active throughout the project, switching between them as needed.

This technique is similar to other two-color crochet methods but creates a distinctive swirled appearance.

Trivet vs. Pot Holder: What’s the Difference?

Making the Trivet

Continue alternating between diagrams A.5 (Bordeaux) and A.6 (Off White) until you’ve completed all rounds shown in the diagrams. The trivet should measure approximately 24cm (9.5″) in diameter when finished. Fasten off both colors securely.

Making the Pot Holder

Follow the same process as the trivet, but stop after completing the 3rd round of diagrams A.5/A.6. This creates a smaller 14cm (5.5″) diameter piece, perfect for handling smaller pots and pans.

Adding the Hanging Loop:

Cut a 15cm (6″) strand of Bordeaux yarn
Twist the strand until it resists
Fold it double so it twists again naturally
Pull through the double crochets at the end of a Bordeaux round
Tie the ends together securely
Trim and split the ends for a decorative finish

Check out our guide on finishing crochet projects professionally for more tips.

Tips for Perfect Results

Maintaining Consistent Tension

Working with two strands of yarn requires attention to tension. Keep both strands lying smoothly together without twisting excessively. Consistent tension creates even stitches and a professional finish.

Managing Multiple Working Loops

Use stitch markers or safety pins to secure loops when switching colors. This prevents accidental unraveling and keeps your work organized.

Blocking Your Finished Pieces

After completing your trivet or pot holder, consider light blocking to ensure perfectly circular shapes. Gently mist with water and shape on a flat surface, allowing to dry completely.

Learn professional blocking techniques for crochet to enhance your finished projects.

Creative Variations

Color Combinations

While the traditional Off White and Bordeaux create classic Christmas appeal, consider these variations:

Winter Wonderland: White and silver-grey
Modern Christmas: Navy and gold
Natural Holiday: Cream and forest green
Festive Traditional: Red and evergreen
Elegant Evening: Charcoal and rose gold

Size Modifications

Want a larger trivet for serving platters? Simply continue the pattern for additional rounds. Each round adds approximately 2cm to the diameter.

Matching Set Ideas

Create a cohesive holiday tablescape by making:

Multiple trivets in graduated sizes
A set of 4-6 pot holders as coasters
Matching pieces for gift-giving

Explore more crochet home décor patterns on our website.

Care and Maintenance

Washing Instructions

DROPS Paris yarn is cotton-based and durable. Machine wash on gentle cycle in cool water, or hand wash for longer life. Lay flat to dry to maintain shape.

Storage Tips

Store your Holiday Swirls pieces flat in a cool, dry place. Avoid hanging, which can distort the circular shape over time.

Heat Resistance

While these trivets provide protection for hot dishes, avoid placing extremely hot items (like cast iron straight from the oven) directly on them. Use with moderate heat for best longevity.

Why This Pattern is Perfect for Beginners

Simple Stitch Combinations

The Holiday Swirls pattern uses basic double crochet stitches, making it accessible for beginners while teaching important colorwork concepts.

Quick Completion Time

Both the trivet and pot holder work up quickly, providing satisfying results in just a few hours. This makes them ideal for last-minute gift-making or holiday preparation.

Practical Skill Building

This pattern teaches:

Working in the round
Managing multiple yarn colors
Reading crochet diagrams
Creating dimensional spiral effects

For more beginner-friendly projects, visit our crochet patterns for beginners section.

Gift-Giving Ideas

Holiday Hostess Gifts

Present the trivet and pot holder set in a gift basket with:

Gourmet hot cocoa mix
Artisan tea selection
Homemade cookies
A holiday kitchen towel

Wedding or Housewarming Presents

Customize colors to match the recipient’s kitchen décor for a thoughtful, handmade gift that shows you care.

Craft Fair Items

These pieces sell well at holiday craft fairs due to their:

Practical functionality
Festive appeal
Affordable price point
Quick recognition of handmade quality

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Spiral Not Forming Correctly

If your spiral looks uneven, check that you’re consistently working in the same direction and alternating colors at the correct points in the pattern.

Edges Ruffling

Ruffling typically indicates too many stitches per round. Double-check your stitch count against the diagram and ensure you’re not accidentally adding extra stitches.

Holes or Gaps

Gaps between stitches often result from loose tension. Tighten your working yarn slightly and ensure you’re working under both loops of each stitch.

For more problem-solving advice, see our crochet troubleshooting guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust your hook size accordingly and expect different final dimensions. The pattern specifies yarn group C (worsted weight). Using lighter yarn will create smaller pieces, while bulkier yarn makes larger items.

How do I read crochet diagrams?

This pattern’s diagrams read from right to left, working from the center outward. Each symbol represents a specific stitch type. The legend provided in the pattern shows what each symbol means. Practice reading one round at a time.

Can I make these trivets without using two strands of yarn?

The pattern is designed for two strands to create the appropriate thickness and heat resistance. Using single strands will produce thinner, less protective pieces unsuitable as trivets.

What if I can’t find DROPS Paris yarn?

Any worsted weight cotton yarn can substitute. Look for yarn labeled as yarn group C or worsted weight with similar yardage. Cotton provides the best heat resistance for kitchen items.

How many trivets can I make from 50g of each color?

With 50g of each color, you can make one trivet OR multiple pot holders. One trivet uses approximately 65g total, while one pot holder uses about 23g total, allowing you to make 2-3 pot holders from a 50g set.

Can I add a loop to the trivet like the pot holder?

Absolutely! Follow the same loop instructions provided for the pot holder. This allows you to hang your trivet for storage or display.

Is this pattern suitable for absolute beginners?

If you’re comfortable with basic double crochet and working in the round, this pattern is achievable. The colorwork technique might feel challenging at first, but the instructions provide clear guidance. Consider practicing the basic spiral technique with scrap yarn first.

How do I care for my finished trivets?

Wash in cool water on gentle cycle or hand wash. Lay flat to dry to maintain the circular shape. Avoid high heat in the dryer, which can cause cotton yarn to shrink.

Can I sell items made from this pattern?

Generally, you can sell finished items made from crochet patterns for personal profit. However, you cannot reproduce, share, or sell the pattern itself. Always respect the original designer’s copyright.

What’s the best way to weave in ends with two colors?

Weave ends through stitches of the same color for invisible finishing. Use a yarn needle and work through several stitches in different directions to secure firmly.

Conclusion

The Holiday Swirls crochet pattern offers a delightful combination of beauty and functionality, perfect for adding handmade charm to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re creating a full set for your own kitchen or crafting thoughtful gifts for loved ones, these trivets and pot holders showcase the timeless appeal of traditional crochet techniques with a festive twist.

The spiral colorwork technique you’ll master through this pattern opens doors to countless other crochet projects, making it an investment in your crafting skills as well as a practical addition to your home.

Ready to start your Holiday Swirls project? Gather your materials, follow this guide, and enjoy the meditative rhythm of crochet while creating something both beautiful and useful.

For more crochet inspiration and patterns, explore our complete collection at Knithing.com. Happy crocheting, and may your holidays be filled with handmade warmth!